A Volkswagen Transporter has set an unofficial lap record of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in the hands of HMS Racing British Touring Car driver Rob Austin.

The lap time of 9 minutes 58 seconds, beats the benchmark time set by TV presenter and professional motor racing driver Sabine Schmitz, of 10 minutes and 8 seconds, in 2005.

The production-standard Volkswagen Transporter was supplied by Northgate Vehicle Hire, the UK's largest van rental company, and is powered by the mid-range 150 PS diesel engine.

The attempt, filmed on home soil for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, set out to beat the 10-minute barrier and the time set by Schmitz on the same track 13 years ago.

The short video chronicles Rob’s attempts to make this landmark time during two days of testing and track attempts.

Northgate Vehicle Hire sponsors Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) team HMS Racing. A spokesman said: “This feat by a professional racing driver was an unusual way to showcase the quality and durability of one of our most popular vans, the Volkswagen Transporter.

“At Northgate, we believe a spirit of partnership is key to success, and we work tirelessly to ensure our customers have the right van to power their business. We’re proud to work with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, and offer its products to help meet the needs of our customers.”

Kate Wright, National Rental Manager, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, commented: “The Transporter has won a host of accolades throughout its history, but this is perhaps one of the most unusual. We’re really excited to be part of this record attempt which shows just what our vans can do. Most customers choose them because they’re reliable, cost-effective and offer some of the best technologies available, but maybe this is another good reason to choose one!”

For more details on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ award-winning range of products and services, or to find your nearest Van Centre, please visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.

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For more information, please contact Grant McPherson, Product Affairs Manager, on 01908 548210 or 07774 684222, or Kate Thompson, Head of Press and Public Relations, on 01908 601478 or 07713 265562.

About Volkswagen Commercial VehiclesOver 60 years ago, the first Transporter arrived in the UK, creating a blueprint which others would follow: a van which gets the job done efficiently and reliably. Today, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers a diverse model range – from the compact Caddy, through the evergreen Transporter and sturdy Crafter panel vans, dropsides and tippers, to the Caravelle passenger carrier, California camper and the Amarok pick-up. The vehicles are as versatile and dependable as Volkswagens have always been, but now they’re more spacious, more comfortable and safer than ever.

Every van also comes backed by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ ‘Working With You’ promise. It’s a commitment to work in partnership with businesses, providing them with the best products and aftersales support, whether they’re buying one or a thousand vans. For more information visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.